I didn't even get halfway through Pride & Prejudice, which, my friend, is a first.

The train pulled into Hogsmeade Station, and I rushed over to greet Hagrid. He is literally one of the loveliest people I know. And he knows so much about magical creatures, he's fascinating to listen to.

'HAGRID!' I roared. I was quite excited to see him. Can you tell?

''Ello there Rory!' He greeted back.

We spent a few minutes talking (with Hagrid yelling 'Firs' years this way!' every few minutes) before he had to head off to the lake, and I had to catch one of the carriages to the castle.

There was one carriage left, with a larger than usual Threstal in front of it.

I had always been able to see Thestals. I thought everyone could. But then in Third Year, when small one came out of the forest behind Hagrid and I asked if we were study them that day, he smiled sadly at me.

'Yeh can see Threstals, Rory?"

'Is that what they're called?' I answered 'And yes of course I can, they pull the carriages.'

'What the bloody hell are you on about Carrow, there's nothing there and nothing pulls the carriages!' Potter had sneered at me.

'Stop itt, James.' Hagrid ordered, before turned back to me. 'Rory, those are Threstals. Only one who has seen death can see Threstals. Some folk consider them bad luck, but really they are misunderstood.'

Seen death. Seen death.

My thoughts had immediately flown to Lindsey Pritchard. She was a girl from the Home. When she was nine, she climbed the Big Tree and fell. She snapped her neck and there was a lot of blood.
I was reading under the tree.
I was six.

I was snapped out of my reverie by Potter.

'Of course she's seen death. She's a Death Eater. She's been murdering since she was six probably!'
He had to pick six, didn't he? The other children at the Home thought I had murdered Lindsey too. Strange things always happened around me, so it had to be my fault, according to them.

Hagrid threw a fit. I only heard a small bit of it, of course. I ran away while the rest of the class were distracted by Hagrid and Potter.

Potter was made apologise (which he immediately revoked once the teachers were gone) and was given detention. It didn't matter though. It always happened.

I snapped out of this memory, when I voice from inside the carriage sounded.

'Are you getting in, or...?'

'Oh yes! Sorry, I was totally out of it there for a moment.'

I didn't look to see who it was before jumping inside the carriage. In fact, I probably wouldn't have noticed at all, unless they had spoken.

'Well, well, well, Carrow. We seem to be seeing a lot of each other lately.'

Balls.

~•~

Potter smirked from his seat opposite me.

'You just can't keep yourself away from me, can you Carrow?' He teased.

My eyes widened, and I began to studiously stare out the window.

'Oh! Am I onto something, Carrow? Are you another James Potter fan?'

Why is he talking to me? Why can't he ignore me like everyone else?

"I suppose it must be hard. I despise you, yet you love me. What is it? My devastatingly good looks? My divine body? My astounding Quidditch skills?"

"It's you modesty." I deadpanned, continuing to stare out the window. I could see Potter's faint reflection, and for a moment he looked put off that I had responded and sounded like I didn't care.

"Too bad you'll never have me, Carrow."

"Yes, poor unfortunate me." I said.

Potter looked absolutely bewildered. He wasn't used to this. I didn't answer back. Ever. But now I was sick of his bloody attitude.

"Well, you're just-" he began, but I cut him off.

"Oh just shut up, for Christ's sake. You're just going to repeat what you've said for years. I get it. I am the daughter of some idiot that was a Death Eater and he's a psychopath, and I'm just like him, blah blah blah I hate your slimy guts Carrow, blah blah blah, stop breathing, blah blah blah, I am the Chosen One's son, so you quite clearly need to kiss the ground I have graced with my sacred footsteps, you peasant. Really, Potter, after five years, it has gotten through my thick Death Eater skull.'

Wow, lots of speeches today.

However, this one was the icing on the cake. The look on Potter's face really made my day. Perhaps my year. Ah hell, it made my life.

It was a satisfying mixture of shock, utter confusion, slight anger, and the best part was his jaw hung open. Thank God for photographic memories.

'But...you...I...SHUT UP CARROW!' He huffed, before folding his arms and moodily staring out the window.

I smiled to myself.

If only I could stand up to do my happy dance.

~•~

Potter burst out of the carriage before it stopped moving. This made my smile grow.

Fantastic.

I made my way to the Great Hall and sat at my usual place at the Ravenclaw table. Near the door. By myself.

I could see Potter with most of his extended family at the Gryfindor table. He was frantically explaining something to his best friend and cousin, Fred Weasley, and then the both turned to look at me curiously.

I rolled my eyes.

I waited patiently through the Sorting, and was hoping McGonagal would have a quick speech, because I was STARVING.

She started off with the usual of 'the Forbidden Forest is named so for a reason' and 'Mr Spraggit's List of Banned Weasley Wizard Wheezes now includes...' but then, she made an announcement that no one expected.

'This year, Hogwarts will host the Scholastic Duelling Expo. The Expo was created with the aims of showcasing international duelling techniques, creating ties between magical schools, and heightening students' knowledge of duelling in general. It shall take place in February, and last two weeks. We will be hosting Beuaxbatons and Durmstrang and it will be also open to the wizarding public on the second Thursday and Friday. You will be expected to be on your best behaviour. Also, the Duelling Expo is not an excuse to hex other students in the hallways, Mr Potter and Mr Weasley.' Professor McGonagal finish, looking pointedly at Potter and Fred.

'No worries, Minnie!' Fred shouted back while Potter winked.

The feast appeared and passed quickly. All anyone would talk of was the Expo.
When I finally got into my bed and relaxed, I couldn't help think about the Expo.

It was going to be interesting was the only thing I really thought about it.

If only I had known.